Station modeling its program after North Central College's

It wasn't that long ago that students at Elmhurst College's student-run radio station were spinning discs from likes of Elvis Presley, Frankie Valli and the Beatles. Those hits from the 1960s were still playing over the airwaves at WRSE-88.7 FM in the recent 2000s — even though the station did not have an oldies format.

The recent renovation of the main studio has brought the 320-watt station that first went on the air in 1947 up to date. It also has prompted the station to put in place a new rock alternative format, and to embark on other changes including trying to establish the station as the voice of Elmhurst — which does not have another radio station.

"We're trying to bring in a little more structure, to be a more consistent voice for the community," said general manager and station adviser Dan Goulson.

A new board, microphones and an automated system for storing and selecting music means students no longer have to sort through stacks of compact discs to find the songs they want to play, and they will be better prepared for industry careers if they choose them.

"We wanted students to make sure they have access to the kind of equipment that they'd use in radio stations when they leave and want to get a job," Goulson said.

The college does not currently have a broadcasting major though some college alumni including WXRT dj Terri Hemmert and WBBM NewsRadio 780 Business/Financial Editor Len Walter earned their degrees there.

Having current technology is crucial if the college decides to provide a broadcasting major, which may be considered in the future, Goulson said.

"It's something we're growing toward and looking into," he said.

Ed Sullivan, a junior who is program manager, agreed the goal is to make the station more professional. Previously, students played whatever songs they wanted including their own music. Now there is a format they must follow.

"We still want people to be creative (with what they play)," he said. "But we want listeners to say 'Hey. This station plays good music, and keeps us informed.'"

To become a larger force in the Elmhurst community the station is hoping to broadcast more announcements of community events and news and to do more off-site broadcasts, possibly at York High School football games.

The station is looking to model its program after North Central College in Naperville which operates WONC-89.1 FM.

John Madormo, assistant professor of Broadcast Communications and general manager at WONC, said just having access to the FM signal is an asset that Elmhurst College needs to capitalize on.

"There are no FM radio signals left in the Chicago area," he said. "It's a valuable thing. You've got to take advantage of it."

At WONC, only 10 percent of listeners are from North Central; the rest are from outside the college campus.

Having an established format and up-to-date equipment conveys to students that they are broadcasting in a professional environment, he said. North Central offers a broadcasting major, with about 75 students enrolled in it.

"They realize it's not just their mom and dad, their friends or roommates who are listening to them," he said.

Although satellite radio and the Internet has affected the broadcasting industry, he said college radio stations can still fill an important role in their communities.

"They have to offer what (satellite radio and the Internet) cannot, and that's local," he said.

At Elmhurst College, there are about 50 students involved in the school's Radio Club, Sullivan said. He is a math major and does not plan a broadcasting career, but he hopes the school may someday provide that option to students.

"We want to gain the professionalism and notoriety so someday students come here for broadcasting," he said.

The recent format change at the station has caused some disruption for some listeners who liked the oldies.

"We got a call from the senior center from someone who wanted to know why we weren't playing Frankie Valli," Sullivan said.

He said he hopes listeners will come to appreciate the role the station wants to have in Elmhurst.

"We're blessed to have the signal. It's not just the college's signal, it's the community's as well," Sullivan said.